What you need to do to update your driving licence after a name change
When your name changes—through marriage, divorce, deed poll, or any other legal process—your driving licence must be updated to match. The process differs depending on whether you hold a photocard licence (the current standard in the UK) or an older paper licence, and it takes between two and four weeks once the DVLA receives your process.
You cannot legally drive on a licence that no longer matches your identity documents. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) is the only body that can update your licence, and you must send them proof of both your new name and your current licence.
Key Takeaways
- You must send your current photocard licence and proof of your new name to the DVLA by post—there is no online option for name changes.
- Acceptable proof of name change includes a marriage certificate, decree absolute, deed poll, or court order, depending on how your name changed.
- The DVLA will issue a replacement licence with your new name, which takes two to four weeks from receipt of your process.
- You can drive while your process is being processed as long as you carry both your old licence and your proof of name change.
- If you have penalty points or disqualifications on your current licence, these transfer to your new licence automatically.
Gather the documents the DVLA requires
Before you post anything, collect the correct proof of your name change. The DVLA accepts different documents depending on how your name changed. If you married or entered a civil partnership, send your marriage or civil partnership certificate. If you divorced or dissolved a civil partnership, send your decree absolute or final order. If you changed your name by deed poll, send the deed poll document itself. If a court ordered the change, send the court order.
The document must be an original or certified copy—a photocopy alone will not be accepted. If your certificate or order is in a language other than English, Welsh, or Gaelic, you must also send a certified English translation.
You will also need your current photocard driving licence. If you have lost it or it is damaged, you must report this to the DVLA separately before you can explore for a name change.
Complete the process form and send it by post
read form D798 from the DVLA website or request it by phone on 0300 790 6801. This is the form for changing personal details on your licence. Fill in all sections clearly, including your old name, new name, and the date the change took effect.
Post the completed form, your current photocard licence, and your proof of name change to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. Do not send the documents by special delivery or recorded mail unless you want a signature on receipt—standard post is sufficient and costs less. Keep a note of when you post it.
The DVLA does not accept applications in person at post offices or local offices. Post is the only route.
What happens while your process is being processed
The DVLA typically takes two to four weeks to process a name change process from the date they receive it. During this time, you can continue to drive. You should carry both your old photocard licence and your proof of name change (the marriage certificate, deed poll, or court order) together. If you are stopped by police, show both documents—your old licence proves you held a valid licence, and your proof of name change explains why the name does not match your identity.
You will not receive a letter confirming receipt of your process. If you want to check progress after four weeks, call the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 and have your driving licence number ready.
Your new licence will arrive by post
The DVLA will post your new photocard licence to the address on your process. The new licence will show your updated name and will be valid for the same expiry date as your old licence (unless you are also renewing for age or medical reasons). Destroy your old licence once the new one arrives—you do not need to return it.
If your new licence does not arrive within four weeks of posting your process, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801. Have your driving licence number and the date you posted your process ready.
If you have penalty points or a disqualification
Any penalty points, driving bans, or disqualifications on your current licence will automatically transfer to your new licence. The DVLA's records are linked by your driving licence number, not your name, so changing your name does not clear your driving history.
If you believe there is an error on your current licence—for example, points you should not have—contact the DVLA before you send in your name change process. Correcting errors separately is faster than trying to fix them during a name change.
Paper licences and older photocard licences
If you hold an old paper licence (issued before 1998) or a photocard that expired more than ten years ago, the process is the same: send form D798, your licence, and your proof of name change to the DVLA. However, the DVLA will issue you a new photocard licence rather than replacing your old paper licence. This is an opportunity to update to the current format at no extra cost.
If your photocard licence has expired but is less than ten years old, you can still use form D798 to change your name. The DVLA will issue a new photocard with your updated name and a new expiry date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my driving licence online?
No. The DVLA does not offer an online option for name changes. You must post your process, your current licence, and your proof of name change to the DVLA address. This is the only way to update your name on your licence.
What if I got married abroad and do not have a UK marriage certificate?
You can send a certified English translation of your foreign marriage certificate. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or notary. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801 before you post your process if you are unsure whether your translated certificate will be accepted.
Do I need to tell my car insurance company about my name change?
Yes. You must inform your insurance provider of your name change as soon as possible. Your policy is linked to your name, and driving with a policy that does not match your identity could invalidate your cover. Contact your insurer directly—do not wait for your new licence to arrive.
What if I changed my name by deed poll but have lost the deed poll document?
Contact the organisation or solicitor that issued your deed poll and request a certified copy. If you cannot obtain one, you may be able to explore to the court for a certified copy of the deed poll record. The DVLA will not accept a photocopy or a letter from a solicitor in place of the actual deed poll document.
Can I change my name on my licence if I am currently disqualified from driving?
Yes. A driving disqualification does not prevent you from updating your name. Send your process as normal. Your disqualification will transfer to your new licence, and you will not be able to drive until the disqualification period ends.